Deputy Director (Insight, Planning and Policy)

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Full Time, Fixed-Term (12 months maternity cover)

Applications are invited for the post of Deputy Director (Insight, Planning and Policy) in the Strategic Planning and Change Directorate.

Royal Holloway, University of London, is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. Awarded silver ranking in the most recent Teaching and Student Outcomes Excellence Framework, we are dedicated to providing an excellent experience for students and colleagues alike. 

We are looking for an experienced leader to play a key role in the Strategic Planning team. A senior member of the Strategic Planning team, you will work to ensure the University can respond to, implement and plan for changes in Policy affecting higher education. In particular, you will take the lead on planning, policy and insight within the team and you will support the work of the Director in implementing a renewed focus for the team on horizon scanning and scenario planning for the future.  

You will be accomplished in managing relationships with key partners and internal stakeholders. You will have experience of using your exceptional analytical skills to understand the impact of policy changes on an organisation.  A proficient and skilled leader, with excellent communication skills, you will directly manage a small team of staff focused on policy, analysis, risk and insight for the university.

This is a one-year fixed term post to cover a period of maternity leave until November 2026. This appointment could end earlier than expected should the substantive post-holder return to work early. 

The role is based in Egham, Surrey where the university is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Hybrid working with an expectation of 2 days on campus and 3 working from home
• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution 
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. 
• Free parking 

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Alison Wallis, on alison.wallis@rhul.ac.uk 

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk 

Royal Holloway recognises the importance of helping its employees balance their work and home life by offering flexible working arrangements.  We are happy to consider a request for flexible working for this post including part time, job share or compressed working hours. 

Please quote the reference: 0825-168

Closing Date:   23:59, 17 August 2025 

Interview Date: 28 August 2025 

Job share or part-time hours: Applications are welcome from people wishing to job share or work part-time hours. 

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.